Derrick



J. F. CHAPPELL DERRICK Filed Jan. 11, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jan. 16, 1940. J. F. CHAPPELL DERRICK Fina Jan .11, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 16, 1940 PATENT OFFICE DERRICK James F. Chappell, Mineola, Tex., assignor of onehalf to Alvin H. Lane, Dallas, Tex.

Application January 11, mash-a1 No. 120,003

12 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in derricks.

One object of the invention is to provide a derrick having an improved sheave structure at its upper end, whereby two draw works may be employed for pulling drill pipe or tubing, making up joints, or for other well operations, thereby minimizing the time consumed for such operat ons.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved derrick having a pair of crown block units movably mounted 'on its upper end, whereby one of the units may be centered within the derrick to support the drill pipe or tubing while the other unit may be off-center at the same time so as to be free for otherwork.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved derrick having a. pair of crown block units mounted thereon with means for moving the units either simultaneously or independently of each other to a desired position on the derrick, said means being controlled from any position on the derrick or from the derrick our. 1

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved derrick having a pair of crown other; the arrangement being such that, if de-.

sired. both lines may be used together when a particularly heavy load is to be lifted or moved.

A construction designed-to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

I I'he inventionlwill be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an improved derfick constructed in accordance with the inven- Figure 2 is an elevation taken at a right angle toFigure 1,

Figure 3 is a plan view,

Figure 4 is an elevation of the upper portion of the derrick as shown in Figure 1 with the crown block units shifted to another position,

Figure 5 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical,

sectional view, taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 3,

In the drawings, the numeral l designates a derrick structure which includes vertical inclined legs ll suitably connected together by horizontal girts l2 which are bolted thereto. The usual cross braces or struts l3 brace the derrick legs throughout their length. The lower end of the derrick is supported on the usual derrick floor l4 and it is noted that the structural details of the bracingemployed in forming the derrick is subject to variation.

It is preferable that the derrick be substantially rectangular in cross section and the upper end of the derrick legs II are connected by longitudinal angle bars i5 which are secured by welding or otherwise to said legs. The ends of 5 the angle bars l5 are connected by transverse bars l6, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. The angle bars l5 not only serve to connect the upper ends of the derrick legs together but also act as guide rails for crown block units A and B, as will be explained.

The crown block unit A includes a rectangular frame I! which has its end supported on the angle bars or rails l5, whereby said frame is slidable longitudinally on said bars. With such arrangement it is possible to move the frame ll to any position with relation to the center of the derrick. A transverse shaft l8 extends across the frame I'I at substantially the center thereof and a plurality of sheaves or pulleys iii are journaled on said shaft. A cable or line 20 has one end secured to the derrick leg and is threaded over the pulleys I9 and is also passed around the sheaves or pulleys 2| of a traveling block 22, which block has the usual hook 23 at its lower 5 end. The other end of the cable or line 20 extends downwardly throughout the length of the derrick structure and is wound around the usual drum 24 of an ordinary draw works 25. The drum 24 and the mechanism for operating the 40 same is subject to variation but it is obvious that when said drum is rotated the line or cable 20 is either wound therearound or unwound therefrom. This causes the traveling block 22 to be raised or lowered within the derrick in the usual manner.

Since the frame I! of the'unit A is movable transversely of the derrick along the bars or rails IE, it is obvious that the pulleys or sheaves l9 mounted within said frame are also movable so transversely of the derrick. Any suitable means may be employed for controlling the movement of the unit A, but I prefer to employ a piston 28 which is mounted to reciprocate within a cylinder 21, As clearly shown in Figures 1 and 4 the u of the cylinder 21.

welded or otherwise suitably secured to the frame cylinder 21 is mounted horizontally at the upper end of the derrick, being supported by suitable braces 28. The piston is provided with an axial piston rod 29 which extends from the inner end The outer end of the rod 29 is "of the unit A. It will be manifest that when the piston 26 is moved within its cylinder 21 a movement will be imparted to the unit A due to the connection of the frame IT with the rod 29.

Any suitable means may be employed for imparting a motion to the piston 26 to properly adjust the position of the unit A on the rails or bars l5 of the derrick, but I prefer to employ a pressure means. For this purpose a hose or conduit 30 has one end connected to one end of .the cylinder 21. The other end of the hose leads to a source of pressure supply not shown, and a suitable control valve 3| is connected in said hose. A similar hose or conduit 32 has its upper end connected to the other end of the cylinder 21 and is similarly provided with a control valve 33. The opposite end of this hose is, of course, connected to the source of pressure supply. With this arrangement, it is obvious that if pressure is introduced through the hose or line 30 by opening the valve 3| the piston 26 will be moved toward the outer end of the cylinder 21 or to the left in Figure 1, whereby the unit A will be moved to the left side of the derrick (Figure 1). Obviously, if the pressure is introduced through the other hose or line 32 then the piston 26 will be moved inan opposite direction, whereby the unit A is moved toward the center of the derrick. By properly controlling the introduction of pressure to the cylinder 21 it is possible to accurately adjust the position of the unit A with relation to the center of the derrick.

The unit B is constructed in exactly the same manner as is the unit A and includes a frame 34 having a transverse shaft 35 extending thereacross. A plurality of sheaves or pulleys 36 are mounted on this shaft. A cable or line 31 having one end secured to one of the'legs ll of the derrick is passed over the pulleys or sheaves 36 and around the sheaves 39 of a traveling block 40, which block has the usual hook 4| at its lower end. The other end of the line or cable 31 extends downwardly throughout the length of the derrick and is wound around a drum 42 of a draw works 43 which is similar in construction to the draw works 25. It will be seen that by operating the drum 42 the cable is either wound therearound or unwound therefrom to control the movement of the traveling block within the derrick.

The frame 34 of the unit B is of course, slidable on the bars or rails |5 in the same manner as is the frame H of the unit A. For controlling the movement of the unit B a cylinder 44, similar to the cylinder 21 is mounted at the other side of the derrick in the same manner as is the cylinder 21. A piston 45 is movable within the cylinder and has its rod 46 extending from the inner end of said cylinder and secured to the frame 34 of the unit B. As the piston 45 moves within its cylinder 44 the unit B is moved along the rail whereby'its position with relation to the center of the derrick is varied. Apressure fluid line 41 has its upper end connected to the outer end of the cylinder 44'and has its lower end connected to the line or hose 30 which leads to the inner end of the cylinder 21. A similar line or hose 48 has one end leading from the inner end of the cylinder 44 and its other end. c ected with the line or hose 32. With such arrangement it will be obvious that when the pressure fluid is introduced through the line 3|! to the inner end of the cylinder 21, said fluid is at the same time,

introduced into the outer end of the cylinder 44.

center of the derrick the other unit is moving outwardly toward one side thereof.

It is particularly noted that the lines 41 and 48 are connected to the lines 30 and 32 respectively, between the control valves 3| and 33 and the pressure fluid supply. Suitable control valves 41' and 48' are connected in the lines 41 and 48 respectively, whereby either of the pistons 26 or 44 may be moved independently of the other. By properly manipulating the various control valves it is possible to admit the pressure to only one of the cylinders 21 or 44 and therefore either one or the other of the units A and B would be inactive while the other was moving.

In Figures 1 to 6 the units A and B are shown as capable of either independent operation or of simultaneous operation. It would be possible to eliminate the independent movement of the units with relation to each other by merely omitting the piston 45, cylinder 44 and their associate parts. In such case the frame H of the unit A and the frame 34 of the unit B could be connected together by a connecting bar 49 as shown in Figure 7. In such case the movement of the piston 26 within the cylinder 21 would move both units A and B simultaneously.

From the above, it will be seen that a derrlck is provided wnerein a pair of crown block units are mounted to move transversely thereof at its upper end. Each unit is complete in itself including the usual traveling block and having an individual cable or line which is operated from an individual or independent draw works. Therefore each unit can perform any work or drilling operation without the aid of the other.

In operation, it will be assumed that the units A and B are in the position shown in Figure with the unit A at one side of the derrick and the unit B at the center thereof. It will be further assumed that the usual swivel and Kelly joints 50 are suspended from the hook 4| of the traveling block 40 of the unit B. The kelly is of course connected to the upper end of the drill pipe 5| and extends through the rotary table 52 whereby the drilling operation may be performed. As the drilling continues the kelly will of course move downwardly through the rotary table in the usual manner and at this time the unit A is put into operation. That is, the traveling block 22 of the unit A is lowered to pick up another Kelly joint (not shown) which has a section of drill pipe connected to its lower end. The block has been raised so that the kelly and section of pipe will hang vertically at one side of the derrick in readiness to be connected in the string when the upper end of the Kelly joint 56 has reached the rotary table. When this occurs, the drum 4.2 is rotated to raise the traveling block 40 of the unit B whereby the kelly and drill pipe are pulled out of the hole. The kelly 50 is then disconnected from the upper end of the drill pipe in the usual manner .and the unit B shifted to the position shown in Figure 4 to swing the kelly to one side of the derrick out of alinement with the drill 76 pipe descending into the hole. At the same time that the unit B is shifted, the unit A is shifted from its position in Figure 1 to the position shown in Figure 4 which is centrally of the derrick. The lower end of the pipe section which is suspended from the kelly on the hook 23 of the unit A is then, coupled to the upper end of the drill pipe from which the kelly 50 has been disconnected. After this connection is made, the drum 24 of the draw works 25 is rotated to lower the entire drill string with the new section and second kelly. connected thereto. After being lowered to its proper position the drilling operation then continues and as the kelly suspended from the unit A is again moving downwardly through the rotary table, the unit 13 is utilized to connect another section of drill pipe to its kelly 50, whereby this new section is in readiness for connection into the drill string when necessary.

Obviously with this arrangement, a great saying of time in making up the necessary connection in the drill string is obtained. I Heretofcre, with the provision of only a single crown block unit it was necessary to raise the kelly, swing it to one side of the derrick, disconnect it from the traveling block, and then utilize said block to pick up another section of pipe to connect insaid string. After this was done it was then again necessary to disconnect the traveling block from said section of pipe and go back to pick up the kelly and place the same in position for connection to the new section of pipe connected at the upper end of the drill string. The saving in time and labor is most important not only in performing a drilling operation but also in making up a tubing string to be inserted in a well. Similarly when the tubing or drill pipe is being pulled from the well for any reason whatever, the advantages of the double crown block units are obvious. It is noted that in drilling operations whenever the kelly' is disconnectedto bring in another joint of pipe, the pump must be stopped. If said pump is stopped for too long a time caving in the bottom of the hole occurs and causes the drill pipe remaining in said hole to become stuck or frozen therein. 1'i'her efore, by minimizing the time during which the pump is inoperative, the eihciency oi the drilling is increased.

Since the units A and B include individual lines and" independent draw works it is obvious that each can operate without interfering with the other. However, in some cases, such'as when the pipe becomes stuck in the hole, it might be desirable to employ both of the crown block units. In such case the units A and B are both moved to the center of the derrick and the traveling .blocks ofhoth arelowered and connected to the pipe. Then byoperating both of the drums 24 and 42 of the draw works 25 and I3 it is possible to combine the pulling strength of both draw works to release the pipe. It is noted that a particular Patent is:

type of crown blocks wherein three sheaves or pulleys are .present, has been shown but the in-. vention is not to be limited to any particular type of crown block structures. Theremay be more or less sheaves or pulleys and the construction of the frame of the unit may be varied without de-' parting fromthe'invention. It is' the movable mounting of the units A and B which brings about the improved and advantageous results.

What I claim' and desire to secure by Letters 1. A derrick including, a supporting structure,

crown block units mounted to undergo a straight line lateral movement at the upper end of the.-

structure, each unit being capable of an inde- P ndent lateral movement relative to the other, means for moving said units transversely of the structure, and control means for actuating said moving means, said control means being locatable at a point removed from the crown block units.

2. A derrick including, a supporting structure, a pair of crown block units mounted so as to undergo a straight line transverse movement in the same horizontal plane at the upper'end of said structure, said units being separate from each other and being individually mounted, means for guiding said units to limit their movement to a straight line and prevent angular displacement thereof and means for simultaneously moving the units transversely of said structure.

3. A derrick including, asupporting structure, a transverse track mounted at the upper end of the structure, a crown block unit mounted to slide on said track, and a second crown block unit also mounted to slide on said track and capable of a movement independent of the other unit, the units co-acting with the track whereby the units are guided and lateral displacement with relation to the track is prevented, and means for imparting movement to the units, whereby both on said track, a second crown block unit also mounted to slide on said track and capable of a movement independent of the other unit, the

units co-acting with the track whereby the units are guided and lateral displacement .with relationto the track is prevented, and fluid pressure actuated means for imparting movement to the units, whereby both units may be simultaneously employed in performing well operations.

5. A derrick including, a supporting structure, a pair of angular parallel rails on the upper end of the derrick, a crown block unit comprising a frame confined within and movable on the rails and having a plurality of sheaves mounted in the frame, a second crown block unit also comprising a frame with sheaves mounted therein and confined within and movable on the rails, and means for moving the units to desired positions on the rails, whereby both units may be simultaneously employed in performing well operations.

6. A derrick including, a supporting structure,

a pair of angular parallel rails on the upper end of the derrick, a crownblock unit comprising a frame confined within and movable on the rails and having a plurality of sheaves mounted in the frame, a second crown block unit also com- I prising a framewith sheaves mounted therein and confined within and movable on the rails, and fluid pressure actuated means for moving the units to desired positions on the rails, whereby both units may be simultaneouslyemployed in .performing well operations.

'7. A derrick including, a supporting structure,

a pair of angular'parallel rails on the upper end of thefderrick, a crown block unit comprising a frame confined within and movable on the rails and having a plurality of sheaves mounted .in the to speed up well operations.

8. A derrick including, a supporting structure,

' a transverse track mounted at the upper end of for imparting movement to the operating element to slide the unit, a second crown block unit entirely separate from the first unit and also slidable on the track, an operating element connected with said second unit, and fluid pressure actuated means for imparting movement to the last named operating element for sliding the second unit,

9. A derrick including, a supporting structure,

a transverse track mounted at the upper end of the structure, a crown block unit mounted to slide on said track and confined against lateral and angular movement thereon, a cylinder adjacent one end of the track, a fluid pressure actuated piston movable in the'cylinder and connected with the unit for'sliding the ,unit on the track, a second crown block unit also slidable on the track and confined against lateral and angular movement thereon, a second cylinder at the end of the track opposite the first cylinder, and a fluid actuated piston movable in the second cylinder and connected with the second crown block unit for moving the same.

10. A derrick including, a supporting structure, a transverse track mounted at the upper end of the structure, a crown block unit mounted to slide on said track and confined against lateral and angular movement thereon, av cylinder adjacent one end. of the track, a fluid pressure actuated piston movable inthe cylinder and connected with the unit for sliding the unit on the track, a second crown block unit also slidable on the track and confined against lateral and 9,187,892 may be manipulated so that both may be utilized angular movement thereon, a second cylinder at the end of the track opposite the first cylinder, a fluid actuated piston movable in the second cylinder and connected with the second crown block unit for moving the same, and means remote from the cylinders for controlling the flow of pressure fluid thereto to control the movement of the pistons and the units.

11. A derrick including, a supporting structure, a transverse track mounted at the upper end of i the structure, a crown block unit mounted to slide on said track, a cylinder adjacent one end 01 .the track, a fluid pressure actuated piston movable in the cylinder and connected with the unit for sliding the unit on the track, a second crown block unit also slidable on the track, a second cylinder at the end of the track opposite the first cylinder, a fluid actuated piston movable in the second cylinder and connected with the second crown block unit for moving the same, a fluid conductor extending from each cylinder downwardly to the base of the derrick, and a control valve in each conductor for controlling the flow of fluid to the cylinders and pistons.

12. A derrick including, a's'upporting structure, a pair of angular parallel rails on the upper end of the derrick, a crown block unit comprising a frame movable on the rails and having a plurality of sheaves mounted in the frame, a second 

